The last line is especially powerful even though we know exactly what is the revelation.

I loved the conversation at the bar, you got their voices just right, John calling him 'kid' until Ben makes quite clear that he is no kid, all of it felt in character and that is not easy to achieve, so kudos for making it sound and feel so realistic :)

Nice! I like the way you described their first meeting. Made me curious on how they would react when Ben gets to be John's new rookie - since this was bound to come. Looking forward to how you'll go on with this one.